Three of the ladies busy at their machines.

This week my friend Molly and I spent a day sewing with the ladies at ‘The Sitting Ducks’ quilting group.  The group meet once a month in the Village Hall in Branston Booths.

The Sitting Ducks Quilt Group

This months session began with one of the ladies demonstrating how to make a reversible ‘thread catcher’.  It was a very simple design, made from eight strips of fabric, with endless possibilities for embellishing.  Although intended for holding scraps of fabric or threads they could be used for holding all sorts of different things.  These are cute little things to make and a great way to use up any scraps you have.

The basic shape of the thread catchers starts as four double sided strips of fabric.

There is a very good tutorial here which I am guessing is the one that Margaret based her workshop on.

My finished thread catcher.

Sue with her finished thread catcher

Using the same pattern and technique, Denise chose to make a larger version, adding straps, and made hers into an attractive tote bag.

Denise with her Bag.

Some of the ladies chose to continue with their own projects, including Fiona seen here with the striking zigzag quilt she is currently working on.

Fiona and her zigzag quilt.

All in all it was a great day and I am planning to set aside the first Thursday in the month to return to The Sitting Ducks on a regular basis.  Many thanks to all of you for making Molly and I feel so welcome.